Data shows that unintentional injuries are one of the leading causes of death among Americans, accounting for 224,935 deaths in 2021 alone. In addition, 62 million Americans sought medical treatment for an accidental injury in 2021.
Severe personal injuries can lead to more complications than you might initially realize, so finding a serious injury lawyer can be essential for getting the right compensation.
This process can feel overwhelming at first, but following these tips will make the process go smoother.
In this informative guide, you’ll learn what to look for when hiring a serious injury attorney.
Determine Your Needs
Before you begin searching for a personal injury attorney, it’s crucial to sit down and get an understanding of your needs.
Serious injury cases have a lot more detail to address than a minor injury. Therefore, you must ensure you’re on the same page as your attorney.
First, you should start by making a list that includes:
- A description of the incident
- A description of the severity
- A description of your injuries
- A summary of the hardships you have from your injuries
- Information about where the injury occurred
- Name of the party at fault
Next, you’ll need to consider what you hope to gain from a serious injury lawsuit. Remember, you don’t want to undermine your experience and the suffering you’ve been through.
Compensation typically includes things like lost wages, future wages, medical bills, and pain and suffering. For serious injuries, there is a good chance you won’t be able to return to the same job or be able to work at all.
You also have to consider the impact on your mental state. Accidents like car accidents are one of the leading causes of conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can have long-lasting effects on your life and cause ongoing feelings of guilt, fear, and grief. It can also make it difficult to participate in normal activities like driving or even socializing.
Do Your Research
Now that you know your needs, you can start your search. Once you find a serious injury lawyer in your area, you should do some background research.
It’s smart to ensure you’re dealing with a licensed attorney authorized to practice in your state. In Louisiana, you can check with the Louisiana State Bar Association since Louisiana lawyers are required to register there.
You should also visit the law firm’s website and look at the attorneys in the firm. It’s a great way to get detailed information about each attorney like previous experience and practice areas.
You can get a good feel for the firm overall, and most websites will explain the process of booking an initial consultation.
Don’t be afraid to call and ask questions if you’re unsure about anything. A reputable law firm should be happy to take the time to ensure you have the best understanding possible.
Find an Attorney Who Has Had Similar Cases
The personal injury space covers a wide variety of injuries, so you need to do more research.
Many personal injury attorneys have specific areas they specialize in. First, finding a serious personal injury attorney who is experienced with serious or catastrophic injuries is best.
Catastrophic injuries typically cause permanent damage and can include severe organ damage, paralysis, and major burns. Catastrophic injuries can occur from various incidents like:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Workplace injuries
- Industrial accidents and explosions
- Medical malpractice
- Product defects
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
Make sure the attorney you choose has extensive experience with these types of serious injuries. Finding a law firm with a team of personal injury lawyers is even better.
Look for an Attorney Willing to Answer Your Questions
It’s essential to prepare a list of lawyer questions to ask during an initial consultation. Most personal injury attorneys will offer a free consultation to review the basics of your case.
Use this time to determine how willing they are to answer your questions. You should make a list of other questions like:
- How long have you been practicing?
- Has your firm handled cases like mine?
- How will you handle my case?
- What damages can I get compensation for?
- How long will it take to resolve the claim?
- How much trial experience do you have?
Don’t forget to ask about fees. Most personal injury attorneys work with contingency fee agreements.
This means the attorney only gets paid if you get an injury settlement. The percentage of this fee varies, so make sure to ask questions about the details.
Overall, listen to your gut. Choose an attorney who genuinely cares about your well-being and will make decisions that positively benefit your recovery process.
Find Out Who Will Handle Your Case
Often, you won’t have just one personal injury attorney. You may also have paralegals and other attorneys working on your case.
Make sure the attorney you speak to will be the main attorney for your case. If you have a team of attorneys, you’ll need to ask for their details.
You should be comfortable with everyone who will be handling your case. You also want to make sure that you’re still getting the personal attention you need and have a go-to person for questions.
Hire a Serious Injury Lawyer for Your Case Today
Knowing how to find the right serious injury lawyer for your case may help you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
If you’re looking for a personal injury attorney in the Baton Rouge or New Orleans area, you can turn to Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello. We’ve been fighting for the people of Louisiana for over 50 years.
Our law firm not only has exceptional legal experience, but we provide our clients with compassionate representation. We also take a personalized approach with every client and focus on clear communication so you understand every step of the process.
Make sure to contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury attorneys.